What Does It Mean When Menstrual Blood Appears Dark or Black?

Dark-colored menstrual blood is a common clinical symptom. Many women seek medical consultation for this reason. Dark menstrual blood is often accompanied by dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularities.The following are potential causes of dark menstrual blood:

1. Deficiency of both Qi and Blood— Deficiency of both Qi and Blood is a common condition among women and a primary cause of dark menstrual blood. This deficiency may lead to menstrual disorders, abnormally increased or decreased menstrual flow, and premature or delayed menstruation.

2. Excessive Number of Abortions— Repeated abortions disrupt normal menstrual cycles, impairing the timely and complete expulsion of menstrual blood. Prolonged stasis of blood within the uterus results in dark-colored menstrual blood.

3. Kidney Deficiency— Kidney deficiency commonly manifests with symptoms such as cold hands and feet, dark menstrual blood, and diminished libido.

4. Gynecological Disorders— Gynecological inflammatory conditions—including pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, and tubal adhesions—may impede normal and smooth expulsion of menstrual blood from the uterus, leading to blood stasis and consequently dark-colored menses.